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Paparoa A&P Show is bucking the trend of cancelling cattle sections due to Mycoplasma bovis disease and will proceed with all the usual cattle and calf club classes at its next show on Saturday, February 2.
The North Kaipara Agricultural Association decided to go ahead with its cattle section in a bid to support farmers and keep cattle showing alive and thriving after a difficult year for dairy and beef farms.
Rather than abandon more than 50 show classes, organisers have instead put in a rigorous set of biosecurity measures in place to ensure that the already low risk of M bovis spreading at the show will be kept to an absolute minimum.
For example, judges and stewards will not be allowed to touch the head or muzzle of any beast, herds will be kept completely separate with extra space between them, and all animals will have to have accurate and up to date National Animal Identification and Tracing tags and records.
The move comes at a time when the Government is increasingly confident that it can eradicate the disease, which is spread by close contact and bodily fluids.
Other attractions at the 143rd Paparoa Show include an extensive equine section, with show jumping, dressage and harness ring; dairy goats; sheep shearing; wood chopping and Western team roping and rodeo classes.
The indoor section includes competitive classes in food, handiwork and crafts, dairy, home brew, photography and school work, plus a floral division that includes one of the biggest dahlia sections in Northland.
There will also be free circus skills workshops from Circus Kumarani, who will be offering families the chance to learn juggling, tightrope walking and hoop skills.
Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for the first two children – extra children are free, as are all under-fives – and parking is free at the Showground, which is on SH12 at 2062 Paparoa Valley Road. The show runs from 9am to 4pm.
Schedules, entry forms and info: paparoashow.org.nz
